DENVER — Results are now coming into the Colorado Division of Wildlife office about the first hunt (the special elk-only hunt). From all indications, hunters did not fare all that well because the elk were still way up high in the deep woods.

Because of the new season structure this year, the first rifle hunting season was limited to elk only, by drawing only.Overall reports indicate general hunting pressure was light, and in some areas even lower than expected.Hunters, in general, agreed that with the lack of crowding, they are enjoying their hunt more.

The unseasonably warm weather was again a factor in hunter success, as it was last year.Depending on the area, elk are being found at scattered elevations across the state.Along with the weather, the full moon seems to have allowed the elk to feed all night, then escape to bedding cover by first light.

With the reduction of hunters in the first season, some hunters report that elk are not moving and therefore the season may be less productive than in years past.

The first combined rifle big game hunt started Oct. 14 and the hunt ended at sundown Friday, Oct. 27. Rain and high-mountain snows greeted hunters that first weekend. Early reports have been slow for deer and only fair for elk harvests.

The second hunt starts Nov. 4 and runs through Nov. 10. The final hunt is set Nov. 11-15.

Area Wildlife Manager Steve Yamashita in Grand Junction said, "Hunters really got into the elk in the Clinetops area of GMU 33 the first season." He and District Wildlife Manager Brian Gray checked about 15 elk in that area in one day, and most hunters reporting seeing lots of elk.

According to local sources, overall hunter numbers are down in the Grand Mesa area by approximately 25%.This probably accounts for the somewhat slow success that’s been reported.

Elk hunting in the Montrose area has been reported as similar to previous year’s seasons, while the hunting pressure has been considerably less with the limited elk licenses. According to Bruce Watkins, Terrestrial Biologist in the Montrose area, "Hunters are reporting seeing many elk. The bulls have still been actively bugeling and are still showing strong rutting behavior." Hunters in this area have been able to locate bulls by listening to them bugle early in the mornings and late evenings.